This one was as close as the score.
The Reds showed up with a team that will have something to say about the "B" playoffs on Tuesday night at Ravena High School. The Silver Marlins showed up with a team that looked like it was hungover from the Monday night contest at Gruner. The first two innings looked like both teams were sleep walking as the two pitchers retired the first six batters they faced. Then the Reds erupted for 4 runs in the top of the third on two walks and numerous Marlins errors sandwiched around a couple of Reds hits. The Marlins regrouped with a single run in the bottom of the third, and a couple in the bottom of the fourth to pull to within one run. We scored one in the bottom of the 5th and another in the bottom of the sixth to take the lead and Jim Latorre slammed the door to preserve the victory. Jim was untouchable for six of his seven innings as he fine tunes his game for the impending playoff run. Mike Cleary had a huge double in the middle of the Marlins rally and Paul Miles combined with Randy Craft and Curt Coons on a perfect relay throw from left field to nail a Reds runner at home plate. A huge play in the final outcome!
The Marins improve to 13-4, with three to play, in the all important chase for the second seed. A 2-1 record in the final three games and the Fish earn a first round playoff bye. The Reds record falls to 6-10-1, as they fight a tight battle for a first round bye in the "B" playoffs.